The Federal Ministry of Education (FME) has officially removed the long-standing requirement for a credit pass in Mathematics for Nigerian students seeking admission into Arts and Humanities courses in universities and polytechnics across the country.
The new policy, announced by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, on Tuesday, October 14 marks a major reform in Nigeria’s tertiary education admission process. According to the FME, the updated National Guidelines are aimed at streamlining admissions and expanding access to higher education for thousands of prospective students who have been previously excluded due to the Mathematics requirement.
Under the revised rule, universities and polytechnics will continue to demand a minimum of five credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language, obtained in no more than two sittings. However, Mathematics will no longer be compulsory for students applying to Arts and Humanities programmes.
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Dr Alausa described the decision as a deliberate move to bridge the persistent gap between the number of applicants and admitted students, noting that outdated and rigid entry requirements have long restricted access to tertiary education. He added that the reform is expected to increase annual admissions from approximately 700,000 to one million students, providing opportunities to an additional 250,000 to 300,000 young Nigerians each year.
While Mathematics remains compulsory for all Science, Technology, and Social Science programmes, education experts have commended the new policy. Analyst Ayodamola Oluwatoyin hailed it as a “brilliant reform” that will improve the ease of admissions and promote inclusivity in Nigeria’s education system.
The FME reiterated that the reform seeks to remove unnecessary barriers without compromising academic standards, ensuring a fairer and more accessible pathway to higher education for all.
